New York, Oct 27, 2012 (SPS) - The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed satisfaction for the steps achieved on the programme of Confidence-Building Measures, sponsored by the UN for years.
In its annual report submitted to the General Assembly, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Mr. António Guterres highlighted the efforts being made by UNHCR to protect and assist the Saharawi refugees.
The UN Official said that more than 42.600 Saharawis currently registered in confidence-building programme in the Saharawi refugee camps and occupied territories of Western Sahara, which aims at reuniting Saharawi families torn since about 37 years.
The Committee examined high-level meetings with the parties concerned to the Western Sahara conflict, Morocco and POLISARIO Front, in Geneva in the presence of the observer countries, in the aim to strengthen the coordination and cooperation in terms of the implementation of Confidence-Building Measures Programme.
Mr. Guterres indicated that about 12.300 Saharawis have benefited from the Programme, in addition that there is also a plane recently allocated for carrying more people.
UNHCR organized two cultural seminars in Lisboan that brought together a group of Saharawis from the refugee camps and occupied territories of Western Sahara.
Last September, Mr. Gutteres expressed gratitude for POLISARIO’s constructive cooperation, confirming at the end of a meeting held in Geneva his full commitment to make every possible effort to support the Saharawi refugees, as to encourage the Donors courtiers to pay attention for their condition and provide further humanitarian aid for them. (SPS)
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